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Page 404
would say no more, ever, about what had happened at the tourney, although he still felt so shamed that he did not know how he would speak to the men who came to render up their pledges the next day. His mind flinched away from her reasons and clung to the assurance that there had, in fact, been no real violation of the code of honor. Only its heart was broken, and that was nothing new in King John's reign.
Ian's investigation into the nonexistent plot might be over, but another was under way. Salisbury, horribly aware of the rumors of Ian's planned death, had not taken his eyes off Ian for a moment. He hoped that by interposing himself personally, he would be able to bring about a miscarriage of the plot. Thus, he had seen Cantelu and Cornhill challenge Ian, had seen FitzWalter and de Quincy ride up, and had seen their discomfiture by the six knights-errant. He had assumed that Leicester's arrival had been what prevented the six from attacking Ian when they were finished with FitzWalter and de Quincy. And he, too, had recognized Robert de Remy's shield. As soon as Salisbury could free himself from the closing formalities, he had enquired where de Remy lodged, and when he had the information, had gone there and accused de Remy to his face of conspiring treacherously to harm the king's champion. To his surprise, Sir Robert burst out laughing.
"I? Harm Lord Ian? By God's ten toenails, no! Lord Ian has just offered to take me into his service. I would be mad to take any action against him, even if I could, which I dare swear I could not." Then he sobered and said seriously, "Why should you say such a thing to me? You know I came and begged leave to change sides before the melee so that I could fight in his party."
"The better to strike him from behind, perhaps," Salisbury snapped.
Color rushed to Sir Robert's face. "That is not my way, Lord Salisbury. If I did not know you were very much Lord Ian's friend and those words were spoken

 
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